flashing network logo on boot up

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Level 1

90 points

flashing network logo on boot up

AARGH! suddenly getting a flashing network logo on boot up for about 2 mins., then it switches to cutting between the dreaded flashing question mark folder and the tiny smiling OS logo folder; and then after about 5 minutes, it finally boots up. This can't be good. Admittedly, i've been having trouble with my DSL connection lately, and AT&T/bellsouth have had me re-programming the Netopia modem/hub several times, and changing passwords. but this looks more like a software-mac issue, since it had been booting up fine up until today. Connecting thru built-in ethernet with 2 other computers (one of which is a PC, sorry to say) and a printer plugged into the hub. This is on my older G4 with OS X.3.9.
This is REALLY march madness! any suggestions would be appreciated. thanks.

G4 450mhz single proc., Mac OS X (10.3.x), also have a usb hub plugged in

Posted on Mar 21, 2008 7:50 PM

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Answer 1

ali brown

Level 7

26,493 points

Mar 21, 2008 11:02 PM in response to ncaardvark

Hi ncaardvark!

Open System Preferences > Startup Disk.
select the Mac OS X folder.
The next restart should be normal.

IF you want to check immediately, click on Mac OS X, and then click on Restart.

Repost if that doesn't correct the problem.

ali b

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Answer 2

ncaardvark Author

Level 1

90 points

Mar 22, 2008 8:03 AM in response to ali brown

Hey! who changed that setting? that was it, thanks a lot. who knew it could be so simple? (well, i guess you did). much obliged.

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Answer 3

ali brown

Level 7

26,493 points

Mar 22, 2008 8:07 AM in response to ncaardvark

You're Welcome ncaardvark!

ali b

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Answer 4

Apr 28, 2008 12:03 PM in response to ali brown

I am having roughly the same thing: after a freeze up while online, option/restart yielded a folder logo alternating between smiling face and question mark. Twice it changed to a reload button (partial circle with arrow) and a button with a right-pointing arrow, but now it sits a while on the smily face folder, then the computer shuts off entirely.

In other words, I am suddenly unable to get any more of a screen than what I describe here.

Any help would be appreciated.

Jim

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